Money is either the most liberating or limiting form of exchange in the world. For college students, our relationship with money may lean closer towards a limiting relationship—the kind where you must act “surprised” when your card declines at a cash register, or when you’re forced to coupon like never before.
However, the limitations posed by a lack of money shouldn’t hold us back from eating our favorite food or engaging in exciting experiences. After all, life is passing every second and we can’t allow our financial standing to hold us back.
Throughout life, there will always be expenses to be paid. Sometimes, the commitment to expenses, from insurance to cell phone to rent, limit us from doing what we truly enjoy. And, of course, there are always the “fun surprises” we occasionally get, like a flat tire or broken phone, leaving us with more expenses.
When I’m thinking about my money troubles, I always remember the 2009 Pixar movie, UP, and the first five minutes of the movie depicting the development of Carl and Ellie’s love story and their struggle with finances. What was unique about their story was their shared passion and dream for adventuring around the world. However, every time they tried saving and collecting money in piggy banks and Mason jars, they would eventually have to break them to use the money towards unexpected happenings that life threw at them. Unfortunately, this prevented them from doing what they truly loved, which was exploring the world.
We can learn from Carl and Ellie: we shouldn’t allow life to pass us by and neglect doing what we love because of financial limitations. Therefore, to continue living life to the fullest without expenses standing in the way, it’s important to learn to remove all unnecessary expenses; have an untouched savings account with one purpose; and always remember what makes you happiest, so the money you do have is well spent.
All photos from Pexels